Curious Minds - girls in STEM

❓Could our Connect Program connect with more young female students, and help spark further awareness and interest in STEM education and career pathways? A topic tackled by ANU Master of Science Communications intern, Tammy.

🎤Tammy presented her interesting Strategic Plan for Growth to the Curious Minds/ ASI team, lead by Vanesa Kates, Executive Director of Australian Science Innovations. Also present to appreciate Tammy's hard work were Dr Ehsan Tavakoli-Nabavi, Course Convenor, and Melanie Trinick, Research School of Biology Laboratory Manager.

💖Thank you to Australian National University, Principal University Partner, Curious Minds East – girls in STEM, for your ongoing support of the program!

Joanne believes it’s a true “privilege to see so many young girls explore STEM and learn about themselves as well as their chosen subject. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone who loves STEM and helping others explore their technical curiosity.”

💜 Reflecting on her ten-plus years as a volunteer Curious Minds STEM Coach, Joanne Henry shared her experiences as a mentor and award-winning technologist. Read our latest inspiring article: https://curiousminds.pulse.ly/787q4vco6m

💙 Joanne exemplifies the positive impact volunteers have on their communities and highlights the importance of our STEM Coaches to both the program and the students who participate, like Grace!

“After 10+ years I can honestly say that I have loved every minute”.

💛 Thank you to all our dedicated STEM Coaches and amazing volunteers who contribute so much to our community.

🤩 How cool is this!? Skye is taking the Curious Minds STEM message to the world! 🌏 Starting with her regional community, where everyone is getting on board. 💡

💻 📷 Read all about it and see more photos here: https://curiousminds.edu.au/story/from-curious-mind-to-community-leader-skye-wilsons-story/

☃️🧪We have an amazing story that will have you reaching out for STEM! 🌉💡

'The most compelling part of Skye’s Curious Minds journey was how she brought her newfound knowledge and skills back to her home town, and used them to lead a STEM outreach program for younger children. Growing up in a regional area, Skye had limited access to STEM spaces and education, and she saw an opportunity to change this for others.'

💜 We love to hear this. And you will want to hear more about Skye and learn about the activities she delivered. ➡️ https://curiousminds.pulse.ly/lutchfiinv

“It was a huge success” and has “sparked an interest” in Skye to further explore regional STEM outreach."

💗 Thank you Skye for all your hard work and for sharing your story.
💗 Thank you to Isabel and Ella from Sci_Burst who collaborated on this amazing article for CM.

❓Who says you have to pick a side?💡

💜 From Curious Minds alum to physiotherapy student, rugby player and Curious Minds Program Officer, Emily proves that science, sport and sisterhood can thrive together. Her journey reminds us that curiosity opens doors — and community helps you walk through them.

👉 Discover Curious Minds through Emily's story and see where curiosity can lead: https://curiousminds.pulse.ly/hpnafcdb86

Thank you to Isabel and Ella from Sci_Burst for the collaboration that helped deliver this insightful article.

Happy '2026 International Girls in ICT Day' to our Curious Minds participants, tutors/ teachers, STEM Coaches, and all girls around the world, who love tech! 👩‍💻💜

We love robotics!

"Curious Minds has been a program close to my heart for many years. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be for young women discovering what’s possible in STEM, so it’s really special for Aventa Solutions to now be able to support it as well." Gabriella Martini, Founder & Managing Director, Aventa Solutions.

We are delighted to announce our new program sponsor, Aventa Solutions. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing science education, fostering analytical thinking, and supporting pathways for exceptional young women to pursue careers in STEM. By sponsoring Curious Minds, Aventa supports the development of future innovators while contributing to Australia’s scientific and educational excellence.

Thank you Aventa Solutions 💜

Vale Jasmine Lamb. A devoted STEM Coach for 11 years, Jasmine made a profound and lasting contribution to the Curious Minds community. She will be greatly missed. A message from Vanessa Kates, Executive Director ASI.

"It is with profound sadness that I share the news that STEM Coach Jasmine Lamb passed away suddenly on Wednesday, 25 March.

Jasmine has been a dedicated mentor in the Curious Minds - girls in STEM program since its very first intake in December 2015. Over that time, she mentored 16 students, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to supporting young women in exploring STEM pathways, careers, and work–life opportunities.

As a STEM Coach, Jasmine arranged valuable workplace experiences, guided students in completing outstanding projects, and went above and beyond to support their development. I know of several occasions when Jasmine travelled interstate to facilitate unique opportunities for students to engage with leading professionals in the medical field.

On a personal note, Jasmine always made a point of finding me for a hug and a chat. A few years back, when she heard I was unwell she called and insisted I give her all the details – this was her field of expertise after all, so she then gave me a list of things to ask (tell!) my doctor to ensure that I got the best possible care.

Jasmine was an incredible champion and role model for the young women she mentored, a great brains-trust to fellow mentors, and a kind and compassionate friend. She has left a lasting legacy within the Curious Minds community and will be deeply missed.

My thoughts are with her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched."

Please reach out if you need support as you process this sad news.

🌅 Are you more likely to see the sunrise or sunset? 🌇

An icebreaker question to start off our most recent Curious Minds Connect Event #3. So, are you an early bird or a night owl?!

Date: 5 March 2026
Topic: Careers in Coding & Software Engineering

We were thrilled to host three incredible guest speakers:

✨ Helen Airiyan – Alliance Manager at SoftwareOne
✨ Ivy Fiecas – Data & AI Specialist at SoftwareOne
✨ Hazel Chen – Security Specialist at Microsoft

They shared their inspiring journeys, discussed career-defining moments and hurdles, and offered valuable resources and opportunities for our students. Plus, they answered all your burning questions! Thank you to our guest speakers and audience.

❓Stay curious and keep connecting! 🔎